Governor Polis Discusses Plan to Save Colorado Drivers Money Through Driver License Fee Relief

Governor Polis highlighted the driver license fee relief program with Department of Revenue Executive Director Mark Ferrandino in Southern Colorado 

COLORADO SPRINGS — Today, Governor Jared Polis discussed plans to reduce driver license fees as a part of the Polis administration’s commitment to saving people money. In a visit to the Colorado Springs Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, Governor Polis highlighted the Governor’s Fee Reduction Package, which froze driver license fees at around $30, relative to the national average cost of a driver license at about $40. 

Governor Polis, in partnership with the state legislature, doubled down on commitments to prevent increases in driver’s license fees, saving Coloradans money when they renew their licenses. 

“We are looking forward to reducing car registration fees and going bigger and bolder by saving people money. I am proud that the driver license fee relief program will collectively save Coloradans $2.2 million this year,” said Gov. Polis. “Driver license fee relief is an important step in delivering on our promise to use every single tool at our disposal to save hardworking Coloradans money.”

During his visit to the Colorado Springs DMV, Governor Polis highlighted the DMV2GO pop-up driver license office, which was deployed in the aftermath of the Marshall Fire to help survivors replace licenses and IDs lost in the fire. Over 153 credentials were replaced through a mobile unit in Lafayette.

“The DMV is an essential service for Coloradans and we are dedicated to meeting our customers where they are and saving them time,” said Mark Ferrandino, executive director of the Department of Revenue. “We’re implementing new services with a focus on end-to-end user experience so that Coloradans can really DMV from anywhere - whether it’s online, in-office, or on the go.” 

“As we work to make our state more affordable for everyone, we’re determined to continue advocating for policies to save people money and deliver relief to Coloradans,” said Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “I’m glad we are able to do just that with this bill, which will ease the financial burden on drivers and keep more money in people’s wallets. This is just one of many ways we are working with Governor Polis to cut costs and improve affordability for Coloradans this year, and I am excited to continue our work to save people money.”

“This year, as part of our work to make Colorado a more affordable state to live in, we are freezing drivers’ license renewal fees for the following year,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “As we grapple with rising prices in many sectors of our economy, we want to ensure Coloradans are saving money when they go to take care of necessary tasks like license renewals. I am proud to join in my colleagues’ efforts to make sure every Coloradan is able to get by in the state we all love.”

Earlier in the day, Governor Polis visited the Pueblo Baseball Mill and the Sangre De Cristo Arts Center and was joined by Senate President Leroy Garcia to highlight plans to save people money in Pueblo and Southern Colorado.  

“I was grateful to welcome Governor Polis back to Southern Colorado today, and I share his commitment to saving Coloradans money and making our state more affordable,” President Garcia said. “This legislation will help folks save money at the DMV and get by a little bit easier, and I look forward to working together to find even more ways to keep more of Coloradans' hard-earned money in their wallets.”

“I’m proud we’re using every tool we have to save people money, including saving Coloradans money when they head to the DMV to renew their license,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We know Coloradans are feeling the pressures of the pandemic. The fee relief we’re looking at this year will help keep more money in the pockets of hardworking Coloradans all across the state.”

“By freezing DMV driver’s license fees, Coloradans are going to save money when they go to renew their license,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This bill is a great example of how we’re working together to save people money and move Colorado forward.”

The driver license fee relief program is part of the Polis administration’s and the legislature’s broader commitment to save Coloradans money. 

In addition to saving people money, the Polis administration has prioritized saving Coloradans time at the DMV. With online scheduling and appointment services, the majority of transactions at the DMV take fewer than 30 minutes. 

During the Governor’s State of the State address, Gov. Polis proposed additional measures to reduce fees and save people money in Colorado, including waiving licensing fees for nurses and mental health workers, reducing the unemployment insurance premium, waiving dairy inspection fees to help farmers. 

DMV services are available on a variety of platforms including myDMV.Colorado.gov; the myColorado™ app, available on Android and iOS devices; MV Express Kiosks, conveniently located throughout Colorado as well as over 35 driver license offices throughout the Centennial State.